Election 2019, Part 2: Ritzville Mayor Gary Cook

The Ritzville mayoral race is the only contested local race on the ballot in eastern Adams County in this year's general election, as incumbent Mayor Gary Cook seeks a second term while challenger David Ahrens is vying to become Ritzville's next mayor.

Cook has served as Ritzville's mayor since running unopposed and being elected to the position in the 2015 general election. Prior to that Cook had served on the Ritzville City Council since October 2004.

The Journal had the opportunity to talk with the candidates ahead of the Nov. 5 election. In Part 2 of our conversation, we discussed downtown...